CLARINGTON -- On Wednesday, students spilled out of Charles Bowman Public School holding signs and chanting 'Kill the bill,' and 'We want sports,' to protest the ongoing labour dispute between public school teachers and the Province.

"The government is hurting the kids as much as the adults," said Erika Stevens, one of the organizers of the student walkout. "We have more kids than I expected. We didn't think a lot of kids would want to join."

The Bowmanville students left their classes at 2 p.m. to protest Bill 115 and the cancellation of extracurricular activities, including sports and the annual Grade 8 graduation trip.

"We need fun. You can't have all work and no play," said Love Mills.

Bill 115 was passed Sept. 11 to force contract parameters on Ontario's teachers, including a pay cut and a wage freeze for two years, and ban teachers from striking.

Since September, in response to the bill, many teachers have reduced or stopped the volunteer activities they take on in school. There has been a number of student walkouts -- mostly high school students -- in support of the teachers and in protest over the reduced after-school activities.

Several of the Charles Bowman students said they were showing their support for their teachers. Two teachers were outside with the students, keeping them back from the road.

"Teachers do support kids. What happened in (Connecticut) the other day, teachers were jumping in front of bullets to save kids," said student Mackenzie O'Neil.

When asked how the young students, Grade 7s and 8s, decided to become activists, they explained that the adult conflict between teachers and the Province has spread to encompass them.

"We've been watching the news and listening to what the teachers say. We don't think it's fair they took away our sports," said Andre Hosang.

The Durham Youth Council is a local youth organization that works to get young people involved in local politics and issues. Kurtis McAleer, chairman of the Durham Youth Council, said many students' understand Bill 115 infringes on teachers' rights and he also personally stands with the teachers in their fight against the bill.

"I believe students are walking out to stand firmly behind their educators, not just to take time off school," said Mr. McAleer.